Director Kevin Smith tells us about the interactive play

Many adaptations have been made of the old tale 'Gingerbread Man'. What is different about David Woods' 'Gingerbread Man 2'?

The play takes place on an antique kitchen dresser and we get to meet all the well-known crockery items that came from pottery factories in the UK. The characters are in the form of salt and pepper pots, teapots and commonplace kitchen items which are brought to life and become the Gingerbread Man's friends. Freshly baked by the Big Ones, the Gingerbread Man is brought to life by his shelf mates and interaction from the audience. He puts the needs of his new-found community before his own, taking a perilous journey to the High Shelf to get honey to cure Herr Von Cuckoo's sore throat.

Are there any young people performing in the production?

The role of the Gingerbread Man is shared by three children, 10-year-old Karobo Oberrem, nine-year-old Ziya Devar and seven-year-old Jojo Joffe.

What can young audiences expect from the show?

Great constructive participation from start to finish. Lots of action, humour, wonderful contemporary music, a sensational set and clever costumes that perfectly capture the characters and their personalities.

What can parents expect from the show?

Parents will become engrossed with the solid storyline, appreciate the interaction and the humour, and read into the subtle messages and life lessons that are acted out in real-life scenarios.

How important is it for children to experience theatre at least once in their lives?

Not only does it give a child an opportunity to experience storytelling and characters that are live and interactive, it also allows their imaginations to soar in a positive way, generating thought processes that are out of the box. Albert Einstein once said: "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Just like any other skill, creativity needs to be practised to develop into the kind of problem-solving ability needed in the 21st century.

What kind of impact or effect does theatre have on children?

Theatre is a terrific medium for keeping children creative, active and healthy because it boosts self-esteem and confidence, improves public speaking and stimulates and provides a place to practise creativity. Theatre helps children in the integral development of the young mind, teaching them to be emotionally present at a young age and therefore becoming a healthy participant in the ensemble that is the world. -

• 'Gingerbread Man 2' is on at the People's Theatre from June 4 until August 2